March 01, Thrissur/Kerala – Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan laid the foundation stone of Chetana Ganashram, a cultural and musical campus aimed at spiritual awakening for people of all religions, in Thrissur, Kerala, today. The Ganashram is a project of the Kuriakose Elias Service Society (KESS) and an initiative of CMI Devamatha Public School, Thrissur.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said that India has a rich musical tradition spanning thousands of years. “The music of Bharat is not merely sound, it is a spiritual journey, a meditation, a prayer, and a celebration of life,” he remarked, describing music as the purest expression of India’s ancient civilizational soul, a thread that weaves millions of hearts into one shared rhythm.
Highlighting India’s civilizational depth in music, he noted that from Vedic hymns to the devotional compositions of saints, music has flowed through the nation like the holy Ganga. He cited historical evidence from ancient South India, including inscriptions in the Brihadisvara Temple built by the Chola kings, which record the support of hundreds of musicians and dancers, and mentioned sacred hymns like Thevaram, showcasing the timelessness of India’s musical heritage.
Speaking about the diversity of India’s musical traditions, the Vice-President described Hindustani and Carnatic classical music as profound sciences of sound. He recalled the immortal compositions of Tyagaraja, the genius of Tansen, the divine voice of M. S. Subbulakshmi, and the global influence of Ravi Shankar, emphasizing that Indian music has inspired audiences across continents.
Observing that all music, Western or Indian, is built on seven notes, he said the Sapta Swaras resonate with human emotions, regulate breathing, steady the heartbeat, reduce stress, and enhance concentration. “When a beautiful raga flows at dawn or a devotional hymn fills a sacred space, music becomes medicine,” he remarked.
The Vice-President appreciated the vision of Chetana Ganashram as an eco-friendly music campus dedicated to music meditation and therapy. He noted that the seven notes symbolize unity in diversity—each distinct, yet harmonious together—offering a profound lesson for humanity.
He commended the Ganashram’s inclusive management involving people of different faiths, including noted personalities such as singer K. J. Yesudas, and appreciated its efforts to bring people together under the spiritual umbrella of music and meditation.
Highlighting the five proposed alayams—Dhyana-alayam (Music Meditation), Sangeet-alayam (Neurologic Music Therapy), Sabd-alayam (Voice Therapy), Kala-alayam (Indian Music and Dance), and Yoga-alayam (Yoga Therapy)—the Vice-President expressed confidence that the institution would awaken and heal many souls.
He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ancient wisdom of Yoga has gained unprecedented global recognition and emerged as a symbol of India’s soft power, reflecting the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. He added that the Central Government has created platforms for the exchange of musical traditions, strengthening unity in diversity and enhancing global appreciation for India’s cultural heritage.
(Photo/Video Caption: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan lays foundation of Chetana Ganashram in Thrissur, Kerala)
